Explore Makhana Benefits In Pregnancy And Ways To Include Them In Your Diet!

Pregnancy can be an exciting time, but it can also be challenging. With all the changes happening in your body, it's important to be mindful of your food intake and nutrition. Did you know that there's a secret weapon in your kitchen that can help combat some of these pregnancy symptoms and nourish you and your baby? It's called makhana, or lotus seed that's packed with surprising benefits for mothers. Many people love it because it's low in calories and has balanced nutritional qualities. 

However, it's important to remember that makhana shouldn't be used as a substitute for nutritious cooked food. In this blog, we'll explore the makhana benefits in pregnancy, including its nutritional value, how it can help with pregnancy symptoms and tasty ways to incorporate it into your diet. Keep reading to learn more!

Table Of Contents

1. Is Makhana Good For Pregnancy?

2. 8 Makhana Benefits In Pregnancy

3. Ways To Incorporate Makhana Into Your Pregnancy Diet

4. Side Effects Of Makhana During Pregnancy

5. Makhana Nutritional Value 

6. The Final Say

7. FAQs

8. References 

Is Makhana Good For Pregnancy?

Pregnancy is one of the most significant and difficult phases for a woman in her life. A woman’s physiological, hormonal and emotional body goes through many changes, requiring much care. The body demands sufficient amounts of calcium, folate, iron, etc. Vitamins and minerals also play a significant role in maternal and foetal growth throughout the pregnancy. 

Pregnant women need to have a balanced diet throughout the entire pregnancy. It becomes a necessity to consume vitamin D-rich foods. When talking about essential vitamins for women, makhana fits the bill. Here’s why: 

• Studies have revealed that makhana can assist in alleviating weakness and fatigue during pregnancy. Besides this, makhana has many nutrients like energy, protein and calcium, which are essential for a pregnant woman.

• Makhana, rich in folate and iron and low in calories and saturated fat, helps in combating many pregnancy complications. Pregnancy can sometimes pave the way to many gestation diseases like diabetes, hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, digestive issues, etc. However, being a miracle nut, makhana helps fight any pregnancy-related diseases.

• Makhana is rich in calcium that helps women maintain their bone density. It also assists in hormonal balance during pregnancy. Makhana seeds contain isoquinoline – a compound that helps to soothe the blood vessels, thus resolving issues such as hypertension.

• Aside from ensuring women's health, makhana improves a foetus's growth. Makhana is also rich in B vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants, which are very important for mothers-to-be and the foetus.

• Many women experience difficulty in being able to have a peaceful, sound sleep during pregnancy. Makhana can also contribute to improved sleep patterns for pregnant women.

  
  

Also Read: A Guide To Healthy Diet During Pregnancy: Foods To Eat & Avoid 

8 Makhana Benefits In Pregnancy

When you eat makhana during your pregnancy, you enjoy the following health benefits: 

1. Insomnia Treatment 

As per the study published on the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) website, insomnia problems are common during pregnancy. There are chances that you may develop insomnia due to a multitude of factors like hormonal changes, stress, and eating habits. 

By eating phool makhana during pregnancy, your insomnia condition can be improved to some extent, as makhana has quinoline alkaloids, which induce sleep and have a relaxing effect. 

Also Read: The Top 5 Foods To Treat Insomnia!

2. Diarrhoea Prevention 

Another issue that can be easily addressed with the help of lotus seeds is diarrhoea. Diarrhoea during pregnancy is common due to changes in hormonal balance. Thus, consuming lotus seeds early in pregnancy is recommended as it strengthens the digestive system and makes it easier to process food. As a result, makhana is beneficial during pregnancy as it prevents diarrhoea. This is one of the major makhana benefits in pregnancy.

3. Blood Pressure Management 

If you have blood pressure issues during pregnancy, you should add makhana to your pregnancy diet to control your blood pressure. Lotus seeds are rich in vitamins that have a cooling effect on the body. Makhana also contains high levels of potassium and magnesium, which improve blood flow and regulate blood pressure.

4. Weight Management

The makhana benefits in pregnancy include weight management. Makhana helps in weight control during pregnancy as it has a low glycemic index. If you eat just a few makhana, you will forget about it for a long time. Therefore, it is a very nice and delicious snack that you should add to your pregnancy diet.

5. Supports Foetal Development

Makhana benefits in pregnancy by helping in the process of foetal development. It contains iron and calcium as well as energy and protein. Meanwhile, calcium is considered important for the bones and teeth of the foetus, and iron is considered important for brain and body development. 

On this basis, makhana is also believed to support the overall development of the foetus. Protein, along with other essential nutrients, helps support the development of the foetal central nervous system.

Also Read: Importance of Nutrition During Pregnancy

6. Boost Energy Levels 

You will feel tired most of the time during pregnancy. Fatigue can be difficult to overcome. However, fatigue can be prevented to some extent if you include makhana in your diet, as it is rich in iron, zinc, potassium, magnesium, protein and vitamins. Therefore, makhana benefits in pregnancy by increasing the strength of the expectant mother.

7. Prevents Urinary Tract Infection 

During pregnancy, women's bodies are weak and need regular nutrition. This is because the main hormones change. In addition, vaginal discharge can also cause urinary tract infections. Makhana contains vitamin C, which increases the acidity of urine and thus limits the growth of bladder infections that cause infections. This can reduce the risk by up to 20%.

8. Alleviates Bleeding Or Aching Gums

Most pregnant women will experience gum pain due to hormonal changes. Swelling of different parts of the body due to excess water. When taken regularly, vitamin B complex and zinc in makhana can help reduce swelling and bleeding.

Also Read: Makhana For Fertility? Know About Secret Fertility Booster

Side Effects Of Makhana During Pregnancy

Doctors and dietitians often recommend pregnant women include makhana in their diet. However, they also recommend the amount of makhana they eat every day. Some women like to eat makhana because it is delicious and healthy. This can cause many side effects that need to be controlled:

• It is recommended to eat makhana in a controlled way daily. Gas, constipation, and bloating may occur due to excessive consumption of makhana.

• Excessive consumption of makhana in women who already have diabetes may cause further complications.

• Many women are allergic to makhana seeds and should not take them immediately if any side effects occur.

• The expectant mother should consult a nutritionist and gynaecologist before deciding on the timing and quantity of makhana because every pregnancy is unique.

Ways To Incorporate Makhana Into Your Pregnancy Diet

Listed below are some ways to drink makhana. Using recipes and various methods can eliminate the boredom of eating just one thing during pregnancy:

1. Roasted Makhana

Makhana or fox nuts can easily be cooked eight times in each bowl; they are not sticky. A better choice for pots, pots and also many kinds of snacks. These delicious nuts can be easily fried in ghee and do not take much time to cook. 

Also, when they are ready to cook, they are placed in an airtight container for future consumption. All you have to do is lightly fry them with a spoonful of sugar or oil. Some salt, black pepper powder or other spices can be added to taste.

2. Makhana Kheer

Makhana has traditionally been used as the main ingredient of kheer. Some people add chopped makhana to kheer, while others just make makhana kheer. Usually, people add roasted and chopped makhana in addition to the kheer five minutes before finishing the kheer. Pregnant women can eat makhana kheer as dessert.

3. Makhana Ladoo

Makhana ladoo is also a good option to have makhana for dessert. Many women in different parts of India love makhana ladoo and store it for future consumption.

Also Read: Evidence-Based 8 Benefits Of Makhana With Milk 

Makhana Nutritional Value

Makhana is a healthy option because of the nutritional facts of this seed. It is gluten-free and low in cholesterol but high in fibre. The sodium and saturated fat levels are also relatively low. Approx 100 g of makhana contains the following nutrients:

The Final Say

As the blog about makhana benefits in pregnancy ends, dear mamas-to-be, you now know that this amazing food can become your constant dietary companion in the incredible journey of motherhood. It has many health benefits for both body and mind. It has been used in Asian countries, especially India, since ancient times. As long as you don't have allergies, eating makhana during pregnancy can solve many of your problems such as managing your weight, controlling your blood pressure, and more.

So, let Makhana’s gentle strength soothe your woes, fuel your energy, and nurture your growing miracle. From ladoos to kheer, salads to snacks, embrace the versatility of this humble seed and weave its magic into your culinary tapestry. 

FAQs

1. Can makhana be eaten raw during pregnancy?

Makhana can be eaten raw or cooked. Both are useful. However, it is important to limit your diet during pregnancy. Makhana comes in different sizes. The quality of makhana depends on the production process it undergoes. 

2. How much makhana Is sufficient during pregnancy?

To reap the health benefits of makhana during pregnancy, don’t eat more than 2-3 hands full of makhana per day.

3. Can a pregnant woman eat makhana on an empty stomach?

Generally, eating Makhana on an empty stomach is said to be more beneficial, but there is no clear evidence available for this. Therefore, if someone is thinking of taking it on an empty stomach during pregnancy, then they must consult a doctor once in this regard.

References

• Makhana and Pregnancy 

• Makhana(Foxnut) During Pregnancy: Are Popped Lotus Seeds Safe? 

• Maternal Diet and Nutrient Requirements in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding. An Italian Consensus Document - PMC 

• Himalayan pink salt-popped water lily seeds benefits 

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